Freddie Patek

Freddie Patek, born October 9, 1944, in Seguin, Texas, was a professional baseball shortstop who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals, and California Angels. Standing 5 feet 5 inches tall, he was the shortest active player in Major League Baseball during his career, earning the nicknames "the Flea" and "the Cricket." Drafted by Pittsburgh in the 22nd round of the 1965 draft, he made his big-league debut on June 3, 1968. Traded to Kansas City in December 1970, Patek hit for the cycle on July 9, 1971, led the American League with 11 triples that season, and finished sixth in AL MVP voting.